Varicose vein surgery

This information sheet will provide you with knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.Varicose nodulesAreas called venous dilation are most common on the legs and thighs. Their distribution area can be limited or more widespread, and in most cases they form thickenings and cords similar to vines. Varicose veins can occur in both men and women, regardless of age. However, more commonly in women, factors affecting their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Possible symptoms of varicose veins include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you need to sit for 10-15 minutes with your legs elevated.Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, which require long-term treatment due to poor blood supply. Ulcers can become inflamed, which can lead to the risk of gangrene.

Before surgery

• One week before surgery, blood tests, an EKG (cardiogram of the heart), and, if necessary, lung X-rays are performed in the outpatient clinic.
• When having surgery, take an elastic bandage with you, which can be purchased at the pharmacy based on your doctor's advice.
• the night before surgeryTake a shower or bath.
• When having surgery, make sure you fast for at least 6 hours and no water for 4 hours before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before surgery.
• If you take regular medications, such as those containing insulin substances, talk to your doctor about what you should do before and on the day of surgery.

Operation

During the surgery, part of the subcutaneous pathologically altered vein (varicose veins) is removed. To do this, incisions are made in the skin of the groin area, and in most cases additional incisions are made in the thighs and calves. The size of the incisions and their number depend on the size of the varicose veins. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in the lower body. This means that a single injection in the lower back can result in a loss of feeling in the lower body for several hours.

after surgery

Patients are usually discharged the same or next day. To get home, you must arrange your own transportation.Exercise after surgery

• After surgery, once the anesthesia wears off, you can get up and move around, but your legs must be wrapped with an elastic bandage.
• On the first day after surgery, limit activities based on how you feel.
• Going up and down stairs is not recommended.
• Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
• Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Give your legs a rest in the morning, lunchtime, and evening with them elevated (such as on a pillow) for at least an hour. Follow this regimen for a few months.
• Depending on the operation and nature of the work, you will be able to start performing again within 1-3 weeks.
• You will be able to be active in about 3-4 weeks.

Pain and Pain Relief

• There may be pain at the surgical wound site.
• Painkillers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
• If your doctor doesn't prescribe pain relievers, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers available at pharmacies for moderate pain relief.

Use elastic bandages and compression stockings

• An elastic bandage must be worn on the foot for 1-2 days after surgery (and should be worn regularly).
• For the next two months, wearing an elastic bandage or compression stockings only during the day was sufficient.
• Using an elastic bandage or compression stockings can speed recovery, prevent swelling, help prevent new varicose veins, and prevent blood clots.

How to use elastic bandages or compression stockings

• Apply an elastic bandage or put on compression stockings while lying down.
• Be sure to start bandaging from the toes, do not bandage the toes. Carefully apply the bandage to the vein, applying gentle pressure to the leg. Also wrap the heel with a bandage.
• Apply the bandages so that each new layer of bandage covers 2/3 of the previous layer, including the knee.
• Use a roll of bandage to wrap the leg up to around the knee and secure the ends with clips. When applying the next roll, cover the end of the previous roll of bandage first.
• The ends of the bandage should be secured with clips. The bandage should be tight enough to prevent it from sliding along the leg. At the same time, the bandage should not put pressure on the leg or cause numbness.
• If the bandage is uncomfortable and slippery, you can replace the bandage with compression stockings, which act like a bandage and exert pressure on the tissue.
• Stockings vary in pressure. Compression stockings must fit perfectly. Pressure on the legs should be noticeable, but the stockings should not be pinching. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical aid retailer will measure your feet in three places.
• Even two months after surgery, it is recommended that you wear compression stockings, especially if you need to sit or stand for long periods of time. Compression stockings can reduce leg fatigue and help prevent new varicose veins from forming.

Wound care and hygieneCleaning plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling a wound.

• The first wound care and bandage change usually occurs the day after surgery in the hospital.
• Second wound care is done at home a few days later. Remove the wound bandage, wash the leg in the shower, and pat the wound area dry with a towel. Thereafter, the use of the patch is no longer necessary (although not prohibited) and an elastic bandage should be used according to instructions.
• If the wound cannot be cleaned, rinse it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% sodium chloride solution at room temperature, available at pharmacies).
• Friction and pressure on the wound need to be avoided.
• You can only go to the sauna, bathe, and swim after the stitches have been removed and the wound has healed.

Remove sutures

• After 10-12 days, the wound sutures are removed at the clinic or by your family doctor.
• The patch, which is applied to the wound after the sutures are removed, can be removed within a day.
• The wound must be kept clean. Even after the stitches are removed, do not wipe them hard, but dry them gently.

Possible complications

• If you develop symptoms of inflammation at the wound site, contact your family doctor or the surgeon who performed your surgery.
• redness and swelling at the wound site;
• Increased or sudden pain in your lower legs;
• Wound secretions (e. g. , blood, pus);
• Increased body temperature.